Watertown Public Schools Registration Information

Introduction

The WFN Family Resource Guide is designed to help families with young children become familiar with the wealth of local resources available.

Like any guide of this kind, it includes information that may change, so we urge you to use the phone numbers and websites provided for more information. This guide is not comprehensive for all educational and recreational opportunities within Watertown, nor is it a complete list of all local child care options . It’s simply meant to point you in the right direction.

So, if you are newcomer or a long-time resident, we hope that you will find something here that is helpful and informative.

Special thanks to our sponsors: Watertown Savings Bank, Century 21 Avon-Cambridge, and The Atrium School. And thanks to BlackSmith Communications for assisting in the production of this Guide.

The Watertown Free Public Library is a vital part of the community, offering services and collections to all agesfrom infants to senior citizens.

The facility includes:

A children's area with a story/craft room, as well as offerings of

library events for children of different ages. See their monthly calendar.

Computers and wireless service for children and adults

A 200-person meeting room and smaller meeting room.

A café and used book store

For more information about story time and other activities, contact the library directly .

Hours

The hours of the library (subject to change) are:

Monday – Thursday 9am-9pm

Friday 9am-7pm

Saturday 9-5pm

Sunday 1-5pm

Library Pass Program

The Friends of the Library sponsor a Museum Pass Program, offering all Minuteman Library Network card holders free or reduced entrance to many museums and parks. Contact the library for a complete list of participating organizations. Passes can be reserved in person or at the website.

Project Literacy

This service offers free evening classes and individual tutoring in English, at all levels,

to adult learners whose primary language is not English. Also available is a map of Watertown resources, translated into 6 languages.

Watertown Free Public Library

123 Main Street

617-972-6431

617-972-6435 (Children’s Room)

www.watertownlib.org

Project Literacy

www.watertownlib.org/what-we-offer/project-literacy

Recreational Services

Watertown Recreation Department

The town’s recreation department offers activities throughout the year, for all ages from preschoolers through adults.. Recent programs have included Art from Around the World, Artisan Cooking Classes, Baton Twirling, and more. Contact the Recreation Department for a full schedule .

617-972-6494

www.ci.watertown.ma.us

Charles W. Dealtry Memorial Swimming Pool

Department of Conservation & Recreation (DCR)

The DCR pool is a state-run facility with an outdoor pool which is located beside the Charles River bike path on Pleasant Street and is free. Parking is available by driving through the Sasaki parking lot. There is a pedestrian entrance on Pleasant Street. There is a kiddy area and separate pool, but no changing tables.

Hours of Operation: 11-7pm Sunday – Saturday (Summer)

138 Pleasant Street

617-727-4708

www.mass.gov/eee/dcr/

John A. Ryan Skating Arena

Public skating is available to families on weekends starting Labor Day through April. Skate rentals available.

The Watertown Boys and Girls Club was established to provide after-school activities for children with working parents, at a low cost. Most Club activities are for children 7 and up. The Club also offers swimming lessons for younger children. In addition, in Winter, a toddler sports group for children 3 to 5 is run by Recreation Dept. at the Club. A Boys and Girls Club booklet of activities is available.

Hours of Operation: Sun – Mon Closed; Tues – Fri 2 – 9pm; Sat 9-4pm

25 Whites Avenue

617-926-0968

www.watertownbgc.org

Inside Playground

Inside Playground offers a variety of games, activities, toys, crafts and more that your children can enjoy whatever the weather..

(ages 20 months to 3.2 years). The schedule and description of classes is at their website.

201 Arlington Street

617-926-2640

www.tumblekidsusa.com

Arsenal Center for the Arts

It offers art classes for children, some free family events, and houses the Watertown Children’s Theater.

321 Arsenal Street

617-923-7631

www.arsenalarts.org

Social Services

Watertown Family Network (WFN)

The Watertown Family Network provides a variety of services to families with children ages birth through preschool. Ongoing activities include: drop in playtimes, playgroups, parent education workshops, support groups, a parent resource library, special musical concerts, family events, and much more. This is a free service offered through a grant from the Department of Early Education and Care and is run through the Watertown Public Schools.

30 Common Street

617-926-1661

Email: watertownfamilynetwork@gmail.com

Parent Child Home Program (PCHP)

This is a free home-visiting “learning through play” experience for parents and their

pre-school children. This program helps develop a child’s capacity for communication, prepares a foundation for success in school, helps mothers and fathers become more confident parents, and strengthens the parent-child relationship through positive interactions. Children between the ages of 1 ½ and 4, from income eligible families in Watertown, may apply.

PHP's mission is to promote and support healthy parent/child relationships and break the cycle of child abuse through peer-led, professionally facilitated mutual help groups. PHP provides a nurturing, non-judgmental environment in which to improve family relationships.

108 Water Street

Main number: 617-926-5008

Parental Stress Line: 800-632-8188

www.parentshelpingparents.org

Jewish Family and Children's Services (JFCS)

JFCS offers a range of programs designed to strengthen families and individuals. Their Center for Early Relationship Support is a resource for any family. The Center’s programs include Visiting Moms, a home visit program for parents; support groups such as the New Mothers Group that meets weekly at the Watertown Family Network; and sleep, feeding and parenting consultations.

1430 Main Street, Waltham

781-647-5327

www.jfcsboston.org

Healthy Families

Healthy Families is a prevention program consisting of home visits and group activities for teen mothers. Participation is voluntary. Young mothers are provided with support, information on child development, and help finding community resources. Women under the age of 20 and who are pregnant with their first child are eligible to enroll.

Jewish Family & Children’s Service

781-647-5327

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)

Watertown-based meetings vary in time and location. Contact the Boston headquarters for more information.

MWCD’s mission is to promote, preserve, and develop affordable housing. Housing programs include: the First Home program which provides down payment assistance and education and The Home Improvement Program (HIP) which provides technical and financial assistance to correct building code violations and remove lead and other hazardous materials.

63 Mt. Auburn Street

617-923-3505

www.metrowestcd.org

Watertown Commission on Disability (WCOD)

The Commission sponsors activities and programs encouraging municipal and community services, programs, and businesses in Watertown to be fully accessible

This food pantry is located at St. John’s Methodist Church and provides food and baby supplies to Watertown families in need. Visit once per month for a three-day supply of food. Ask for baby food and diapers if you need them. Make sure to bring identification that includes your address. Hours: Tuesdays, 10am to 11:30am; Thursdays, 4pm to 6pm. The pantry gladly accepts donations.

St. John’s Methodist Church

80 Mt. Auburn Street

617-972-6429

St. Vincent de Paul’s Food Pantry

This food pantry is located at St. Patrick’s Church and provides food to families in

This program helps low and moderate-income pregnant women and mothers, as well as children under five, who are at nutritional risk.

Harvard Vanguard Health Center

485 Arsenal Street

617-972-5502

www.wicprogram.org

Family Day Care

The family day care providers listed were compiled in part from the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) license record. Consult the EEC website (www.eec.state.ma.us/ChildCareSearch/EarlyEduMap.aspx ) or the Parent Resource Library at the Watertown Family Network as information may change. The phone number for the MA Department of Early Education and Care is: 617-988-6600.

Almanzar, Domitila

9 Beechwood Ave

617-744-0380

Licensed for 6 children

Chiloyan, Talin

35 Chapman St.

617-924-9357

Licensed for 10 children; 3 mos.preschool

Duhanyan, Alis

390 School St

617-926-3520

Licensed for 6 children; infantpreschool

Ashjian, Arpie

30 Putnam St

617-926-5522

Licensed for 10 children;

3 mos – preschool

Clinton, Helen

62 Fayette St.

617-926-9989

Licensed for 8 children; 3 months +

Fiorentino, Charlotte

27 Olcott St.

617-923-6276

Licensed for 10 children; 3 mos to preschool

Ayala, Cristina

61 Webster St.

617-393-3829

Licensed for 6 children; infant to preschool

Collage Day Care

61 Webster St.

617-913-7832

Licensed for 6 children; 6 mospreschool

Johanson, Judith

57 Quirk St.

617-923-4394

Licensed for 6 children; 3 mos to preschool

Caceda, Angelita

183 Mt. Auburn St #41

617-924-4990

Licensed for 6 children; 0-3 yrs

Contreros, Angelica

10 Charles St

617-926-3270

Licensed for 10 children; 3 mos4 years

Kid’s Korner Family Daycare

31 Wilson Ave.

617-926-7377

Licensed for 10 children; infant to 5 years

Castro, Cynthia

38 Franklin St.

617-924-6383

Licensed for 6 children; 3 mos – preschool

D’Agostino, Kathleen

115 Rutland St.

617-924-1476

Licensed for 8 children; 3 month to school age

Kids World Day Care

505 Main St.

617-926-0317

Family Day Care Continued

Kostikian, Tagouhi

31 Priest St

617-924-9118

Licensed for 6 children;

3 mos.5 years

Ohanyan, Martiros

115 Lexington St.

617-803-3506

Licensed for 8 children; 6 mos to 5 years

Sweeney-Cidado, Justina

135 Grant Ave.

617-932-1110

Licensed for 6 children; 3mos7 years

Little Sprouts Day School

90 Summer St.

617-393-1804

littlesproutsds@yahoo.com

Licensed for 5 children

Peanut-free Zone

Palma, FeisyLittle Nest Red and Blue

75 Elm St.

781-437-2029

Licensed for 10 children; 3 mos to 4 years

Tarantino, Barbara

13 Porter St., Floor 2

617-924-5582

Licensed for 6 children; infant3 years

Majarian, Zovic

54-56 Lexington St.

617-923-3465

Licensed for 10 children; 3 mos to preschool

Poirier, Barbara

9 Harrington St.

617-549-9920

Licensed for 5 children;

Tsacogianis, Maria

31 Wilson Ave

617-926-7377

Licensed for 10 children; infantpreschool

Matsalia, Joan

51 Union Street

617-924-0718

Licensed for 10 children

Sepideh’s Daycare

34 Wilmot St.

617-923-8253

Licensed for 6 children; 3mos5 years

Vergillo, Linda

96 Fayette St.

617-926-9349

Licensed for 5 children; 2 mos5 years

McDonough, Joan E.

227 Sycamore St.

617-489-1591

Licensed for 10 children; 3 mos to Preschool

Simon, Ekhssabet

51Cypress St.

617-926-0693

Licensed for 10 children; Newborn – 4 years

Yang, Yueer

164 Summer Street

857-222-1789

Licensed for 10 children; 3 mos5 years

Center-based Day Care & Preschool Information

This is not a definitive list of all center-based day care and preschool programs in the area as new programs may open or close over time. For more information consult: MA Department of Early Education and Care: 617-988-6600 www.eec.state.ma.us. Find care by location at www.eec.state.ma.us/ChildCareSearch/EarlyEduMap.aspx

Bright Horizons

CDC-On the Charles*

400 Talcott Avenue

617-924-4935

email: wtownbrighthorizons.com

www.brighthorizons.com

Children accepted at infant

First Path Day Care Center

24 Whites Avenue

617-926-4690

www.firstpathdaycare.com

Children accepted at infant

Caterpillars to Butterflies*

200 Mount Auburn Street

617-926-3770

email: mccody9@aol.com

Children accepted at 2.9 years

Four Seasons Preschool*

15 Hall Avenue

617-923-4848

www.fourseasonspreschool.com

Children accepted at infant

Early Steps - Watertown Integrated Preschool*

1 Concord Road

617-926-7765

email: terri.stafford@watertown.k12.ma.us

www.watertown.k12.ma.us

Children accepted at 3 years

Growing Places Preschool*

30 Common Street

617-924-7336

email: growingwatertown@aol.com

www.growingplacespreschool.org

Children accepted at 15 mos.

The Family Cooperative

Infant Toddler Preschool

46 Belmont Street

email: thefamilycooperative@gmail.com

thefamilycooperative.weebly.com

Children accepted at infant

Milestones*

167 Waverly Ave.

617-393-9998

www.milestoneschildcareonline.com

Children accepted at 2.9 years

Center-based Day Care Continued

P’Tits Bouts

2 Rosary Drive

339-970-9596

Children accepted at 2.9 years

French Immersion Program

Storyville Preschool*

97 Union Street

617-923-0930

email: storyvilleps@aol.com

www.storyvillepreschool.com

Children accepted at 2.9 years

Russell Cooperative Preschool*

35 Church Street

617-926-0511

www.russellpreschool.org

Children accepted at 2.9 years

Strawberry Bilingual Childcare

24 Watertown Street

617-744-1436

www.strawberrychildcare.com

Children accepted at 2 mos.

Saint Stephen’s Armenian Preschool

46 Elton Ave.

617-923-0501

www.ssaes.org

Children accepted at 2.9 years

Watertown Cooperative Nursery School*

525 Main Street

617-924-0225

www.watertowncoop.org

Children accepted at 2.9 years

Stepping Stones

13 Bates Road.

617-926-1434

www.stepcare.net

Children accepted at 2 mos.

Watertown Creative Start*

26 Chestnut Street

617-926-1082

email: watertown@communitiesunitedinc.com

www.communitiesunitedinc.org/watertown

Children accepted at 15 mos.

*These programs are accredited by or in the process of being accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).

Extended Day Programs

Watertown Community Education

Offers both before and after-school programs for Watertown families with school age children.

For more information call: 617-923-7653

Early Intervention Program

Early Intervention, Birth to Age 3 – Services provided by State

Early intervention in Massachusetts is a statewide service, through the Office of Health and Human Services, available to families of children from birth up to 3 years who have a diagnosis, developmental delay, or who may be at risk for developmental delays based on their birth history or environment. Services include assessments, home visits, parent/child groups and family support. Early intervention programs are funded by insurances and/or the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.

When the child is 2 ½ years old, discussions occur with the family of a child receiving services to review options available when the child turns 3 and to assist the transition to services provided by the public schools.

www.massresources.org/early-intervention.html

Prior to age three, every family is entitled to a developmental assessment for their child and may have their child re-assessed every six months.

Any individual may make a referral to early intervention. However it is a voluntary service and it is the family’s decision to pursue an evaluation and if needed, services. To obtain an assessment, the individual or family would contact Thom Charles River (see below), which is responsible for early intervention evaluation and services for Watertown.

Thom Charles River Early Intervention Program

Thom Child & Family Services offers intervention and support for Watertown children, birth to three year old, who have developmental difficulties due to identified disabilities or whose development is at risk due to certain birth or environmental circumstances.

411 Waverley Oaks Rd. Building #3, Suite 305, Waltham

781-894-6564

Age 3 and Older – Services provided through Watertown Public School

Once a child has reached three years of age, he/she may be eligible for services through the Watertown Public Schools. These services are available after screening and evaluation.

Any parent may request a screening of their child to determine if the child is eligible for services of the Watertown Public Schools.

Early Childhood Center, Watertown Public Schools

For screening, 617-926-7765

Playground Guide

Annual Events in Watertown

Gore Place Activities

52 Gore Street, Waltham|www.goreplace.org|781-894-2798

It offers The Annual Sheep-Shearing Festival in April, Family Fun Day in July, Farm Autumn Fest in October, and Tea with Santa in December.

Taste of Watertown/Belmont

www.wbcc.org |617-926-1017

This event is usually held in April or May. Area restaurants offer “tastes” of their specialties to spotlight rich local resources and ethnic diversity. For more information on this event contact the Watertown/Belmont Chamber of Commerce

Faire in the Square

www.faireonthesquare.org

Usually held in September, the Faire is lots of fun for the entire family with games, rides, local vendors, and performances. The Faire on the Square takes place at Saltonstall Park. There is no admission charge.

Family Concerts at Saltonstall Park

www.ci.watertown.ma.us

Thursday evenings, June-August | 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm

Great free fun for the entire family. Pack a picnic, bring a lawn chair or blanket and sit outdoors listening to a live summer concert. Enjoy a great variety of live bands sponsored by the Town of Watertown.

Memorial Day Parade

Takes place in May. The parade route follows Mt. Auburn Street through Watertown Square ending at Town Hall on Main Street. For more information please contact the Veterans Office at 617-972-6416.